Vocab Check
Definition of Tabletop
An analogy, this is the most important message or main point of the text.
"All mammals are warm-blooded. They are animals that have fur or hair. Also, baby mammals drink milk from their mothers."
Mammals share several key characteristics.
Which detail says that babies drink milk?
what is "baby mammals drink milk from their mothers?"
It is the law. It prevents injuries. You should buckle up when the car starts.
What is "You should buckle up when the car starts?" (It's a step, not a reason/proof.)
The lion hid quietly in the tall grass. It watched the zebra herd until one wandered too far away. Then, it quickly sprinted out to catch its meal.
What is "The lion is a patient and effective hunter?"
Definition of Table Legs
In our analogy, these are the facts, reasons, and examples that support the main point.
"A tornado is a rapidly spinning column of air. Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms. They can travel over 300 miles per hour."
Tornadoes are dangerous, fast-moving storms that form during thunderstorms.
Which detail mentions speed?
What is "Tornadoes can travel over 300 miles per hour?"
It saves trees. It uses less energy. You should wash the containers first.
What is "You should wash the containers first?" (It's an instruction, not a reason/proof.)
The cafeteria lines were too long. Many students only had 15 minutes to eat. The hot food was already cold by the time they sat down.
What is "The school needs to improve its lunch system?
Finding the Topic
This is the general subject of a paragraph, often only one or two words, like "sharks" or "space."
"Reading before bed helps your brain relax. It can also help you fall asleep faster. People who read often tend to have a larger vocabulary."
Reading before bed provides several mental and physical benefits.
What is the Main Idea of Text C?
What is "Reading before bed provides several mental and physical benefits?"
They can cause tsunamis. They can collapse buildings. The earth's tectonic plates cause earthquakes.
What is "The earth's tectonic plates cause earthquakes?" (It's the cause, not the damage.)
My backpack zipper broke. My lunch fell out and got smashed. I missed the school bus this morning.
What is "I had a very bad or difficult morning?"
Stated vs. Implied
When the main idea is not directly written down, and you have to figure it out yourself.
"The Statue of Liberty is in New York. She holds a torch in her right hand. She wears robes and has a crown with seven spikes."
The Statue of Liberty has several famous physical features.
What is the Main Idea of Text D?
What is "The Statue of Liberty has several famous physical features?"
Astronauts must train for years. They need special, expensive equipment. There are nine planets in our solar system.
What is "There are nine planets in our solar system?" (It's a space fact, but irrelevant to preparation.)
Students should listen quietly when others are talking. They should always keep their hands to themselves. They need to share materials and be helpful.
What is "Students should show respect and good behavior in the classroom?"
Definition of Synthesis
The process of pulling all the separate details together into one complete, new sentence.
"The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. It can fly very high in the sky. Bald eagles have a lifespan of about 20 years in the wild."
The bald eagle is a high-flying national symbol with a long lifespan.
What is the Main Idea of Text E?
What is "The bald eagle is a high-flying national symbol with a long lifespan?"
It builds muscle. You need to eat healthy food to exercise. It strengthens your heart.
What is "You need to eat healthy food to exercise?" (It's a related idea, but not a direct proof of why exercise makes your body strong.)
It has four wheels. It can be powered by gas or electricity. It can hold several people and is often used for daily travel.
What is "A car is a machine used for transportation?"